The world remains in suspense in the face of the chaos generated by China’s space debris. All countries with space programs generate waste, but the case of the Asian giant is much larger. Why?
because the China National Space Administration (CNSA) never inform their peers when the garbage is about to fall, and countries must take precautions protected by their defenses.
This weekend, 300 flights in Europe were affected by the re-entry to Earth of Chinese components, used in the construction of the Tiangong space station. This is not the first time it has happened, happening every time a Long March -5B rocket is launched.
As reported the New York Times, for the fourth time, the Chinese space program used a 23-ton launcher that made an uncontrolled re-entry.
The situation forced the closure of airspace in Europe, with Spain as the most affected country.
Ultimately, the debris fell into the Pacific Ocean, according to the US Space Command.
“Every time, China has successfully bet that rocket parts would not cause injury to people on the ground.” highlights the New York Times. “A rocket of the same design is expected to be used at least one more time, in 2023.”
NASA releases new statement on China’s space debris
Without the cooperation of the CNSA, the rest of the countries do not know when any debris will re-enter, nor what precaution to take except to close the airspace.
bill nelson, NASA administrator, issued a new statement after the fall of China’s space debris.
“It is essential that all nations that carry out space activities are responsible and transparent in it,” said Nelson. “That they follow established best practices, especially for uncontrolled re-entry of debris from the body of a large rocket.”
“This debris could very well result in further damage or loss of life.”
For now, the impact is not tremendous. But the risk is always very serious.